Avalon reveals new health and hygiene policies

The river line is aiming to restart sailings on 1 September and has established a global health and safety team, which UK chief executive Giles Hawke said was “dedicated to ensuring the cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s standards from start to finish.”

“The world has changed but what remains certain is our steadfast commitment to our guests’ safety, comfort and peace-of-mind,” he added.

Avalon’s programme currently features seven areas of protocols spanning its guest experience - all of which are being “shared, explored, reviewed and renewed”, the line said.

Procedures include mandatory health screenings, with touch-free temperature checks and luggage disinfection, prior to boarding and air conditioning onboard vessels not circulating between staterooms.

The line is introducing new technologies for its cleaning and disinfecting systems, while new protocols also include deep-cleaning and disinfection of each stateroom during turnover; disinfection of all dining areas between meals and disinfection of shared items such as bicycles or umbrellas after each use.